Gold Medallists Join Journey To World Championships

Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships

Perth, Australia

Perth's own 'Golden Girls' of sailing have become Ambassadors for the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships!

Women's 470 Gold Medallists at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson, both of Perth, will be promoting the World Championships and the exhilarating sport of sailing throughout Western Australia.

The two women have recently made a bold move not to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games Sailing Competition, but will still be heavily involved in a promotional capacity with the Perth 2011 ISAF Worlds - the Olympic qualifying Event where 75 per cent of nations will qualify for the London 2012 Olympic
Sailing Competition.

Perth 2011 Acting Event Director Darren Beazley is delighted that these elite sailors have signed on;

"We are thrilled that Elise and Tessa have joined sailing icon John Bertrand as Ambassadors for the Perth 2011 ISAF Worlds. They are, without a doubt, the perfect Ambassadors for the World Championships," Mr Beazley said.

"They are young, talented athletes brimming with enthusiasm for the sport and for this amazing Event for Western Australia," he said.

Parkinson and Rechichi are equally as excited about their involvement and were complimentary of the venue and the international scope of the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

"Over the 15 years we've been sailing, Elise and I believe this is one of the most exciting sporting events we've been involved with. We are very excited to be Ambassadors to Perth 2011 (ISAF Worlds) and hope to play a role in promoting our state and our sport," Parkinson said.

"We have never sailed in a big event in Australia, let alone in our home city. We're so keen to be able to share the amazing sport of sailing with the broader community and the people of Perth, and are honoured to be Ambassadors," she continued.

Rechichi agreed with the sentiments: "It is an honour to be appointed as Ambassadors to Perth 2011 (ISAF Worlds). To have an Event of this calibre, an Olympic selection Event, where 75 per cent of the places for the London 2012 Olympic Games (Sailing Competition) are going to be decided, is just incredible," said Rechichi.

Rechichi explained that feedback the pair had received on the Olympic sailing circuit was that 'everyone loves Perth', and Fremantle is internationally renowned as a world-class sailing venue.

"To have the biggest Event in sailing in four years in Perth is wonderful. Tessa and I are delighted to be part of the dream and The Dream Begins in Perth!" she said.

The Perth International Regatta Notice of Race may be downloaded at www.perth2011.com